Minister Ashish Shelar Announces Development of a Rich, Inspiring Forest in Aarey

Launch of 5 Lakh Saplings Plantation Drive Across 80 Acres on World Environment Day

Mumbai, June 2026: Under the vision of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the state-wide ‘Green Maharashtra – 300 Crore Tree Plantation’ campaign is being implemented on a large scale, with a major plantation initiative planned in the Mumbai Suburban district.

As part of this initiative, a total of 5 lakh trees will be planted across 80 acres of vacant land in the Aarey area. Minister for Cultural Affairs and Guardian Minister of Mumbai Suburban district, Adv. Ashish Shelar, stated that Aarey, which was earlier recognised as a “forest on paper,” will now be transformed into a real, thriving, green, and inspiring forest for future generations.

The plantation drive was inaugurated on the occasion of World Environment Day at the Aarey camp premises. The event was attended by MLA Murji Patel, Konkan Divisional Commissioner Rupal Agarwal, Mumbai Suburban Collector Saurabh Katikar, Ward Committee Chairperson Prakash Musale, and senior officials from various departments.

Survey of Multiple Locations for Plantation

As part of the ‘Green Maharashtra’ mission, Minister Shelar inspected several sites including the Aarey camp area, vacant land near the Metro car shed, reserved land at Metro Bhavan, National Dairy Development Board premises, Agricultural Industries Development Corporation, SRPF Group 8, Force One unit, Mahanand Dairy, and the Veterinary College campus.

Following this survey, the Mumbai Suburban Collector’s office prepared a detailed report identifying approximately 80 acres of land available for large-scale plantation across these locations.

A Long-Term Green Legacy for Future Generations

Minister Shelar emphasized that this initiative is not limited to tree plantation alone, but is a comprehensive effort to create a lasting green legacy for future generations in Mumbai Suburban district.

He added that modern technology will play a key role in the project, with GIS-based planning, digital monitoring systems, and a dedicated mechanism for tree conservation. Continuous tracking of each tree’s growth, maintenance, and survival will be ensured.

Use of Miyawaki Technique for Dense Urban Forests

Along with traditional plantation methods, the project will also adopt the Miyawaki method to develop dense, self-sustaining urban forests rich in biodiversity.

Minister Shelar said the objective is to integrate environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development to transform Mumbai Suburban into a greener, more beautiful, and eco-friendly region.